How is the counseling compact constitutional?

Idaho is currently a member of 5 occupational licensure compacts. Interstate compacts are authorized by the Contracts Clause in the US Constitution.

How do states maintain sovereignty?

States have full authority over their own licensing laws and how they license counselors. By joining the compact, states agree to accept counselors who are licensed in other compact states and have received a privilege to practice in their state under the compact. The Counseling compact has no impact on a state’s scope of practice. As with any existing licensure compacts, the Counseling Compact leaves state specific licensure requirements in place. States have full authority over their own licensing laws and will continue to determine licensing requirements and scope of practice for themselves.

Will school counselors be able to apply for a privilege to practice?

Technically, school counselors who hold LCPCs and LCPs may apply for a privilege to practice in Idaho. This is due to the passage of HB654 (2022) which added LCPCs and LCPs to the legal definition of school counselors. However, requirements set by the State Board of Education must be met, including obtaining a pupil service staff certificate. Additionally, just because a school counselor is an LCPC or LCP does not mean they can practice to the full scope of their license. If practicing as a school counselor, they can only practice to the scope of a school counselor. School counselors cannot diagnose or provide a treatment plan even if their license allows- this is outside the scope of practice of a school counselor. It would be unethical for a school counselor to diagnose or create a treatment plan. The role of the school counselor is to listen and educate a student on ways they can cope and build skills to help themselves.

Explain LCPC/ LPC difference and why only LCPC’s will be able to apply?

Those who have completed the standard licensure process are Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), and those who continued their education and further developed their clinical skills are Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs). LPCs often require supervision by more experienced counselors (LCPCs).

The LCPC is considered the highest tier of counseling licensure, and depending on the state, the license requires 2000-3000 additional supervised hours of clinical practice. Additionally, individuals are required to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The Counseling Compact requires that interstate applicants hold a current license in which they can "independently diagnose, assess, and treat clients." In Idaho, LCPCs are able to provide these clinical services independently.

What is the compact commission?

The commission is a government agency established by the compact. The commission will be comprised of one delegate from each member state. The commission writes rules and bylaws to administer and implement the compact. As stated in section 9 of the compact, commissioners will be a designee from each participating state’s licensing authority.

For more information about the Counseling Compact, please visit: https://counselingcompact.org/